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Gallagher and Smith join ParalympicsGB line-up for PyeongChang 2018

Reigning Paralympic Champion Kelly Gallagher MBE and her guide Gary Smith have today successfully secured their place on the ParalympicsGB team for PyeongChang 2018.

The pair will compete at the Games alongside teammates Millie Knight and Menna Fitzpatrick, who race with their guides Brett Wild and Jennifer Kehoe.

Gallagher became the first British athlete to win a gold medal on snow in either Olympic or Paralympic competition when she topped the podium in the women’s super-G at Sochi 2014 with guide Charlotte Evans. She will compete at her third Paralympic Games after making her debut at Vancouver 2010.

Since Sochi, Gallagher has forged a new partnership with Smith, who has taken leave from the RAF to dedicate his time to training. Gallagher sustained multiple injuries following a crash in training ahead of the 2017 World Championships, however after an intensive period of rehabilitation the pair have been back in action in the 2017/18 season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be selected for ParalympicsGB for my third Games alongside Gary. The journey to PyeongChang has not been an easy one for me." Kelly Gallagher

Kelly Gallagher MBE said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be selected for ParalympicsGB for my third Games alongside Gary. The journey to PyeongChang has not been an easy one for me and while I’m still hopeful that I will have the opportunity to defend my title and contest all events, Gary and I will work really hard to ensure we’re in the best place we can be for the Games and make sure every day counts before our first race.”

Penny Briscoe OBE, Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB, added: “I’d like to congratulate Kelly and Gary on their selection to the team. We have such strength in depth in this event now and it’s definitely one to watch at the Games. It’s also great to see an athlete with Kelly’s experience representing us in PyeongChang.

Today’s announcement takes the number of athletes currently selected for ParalympicsGB to 16 after athletes were selected in Para Alpine skiing, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling at the start of the year.

Further opportunities for selection remain and it is anticipated that the team will be finalised by the ParalympicsGB Team Launch, which will be celebrated on February 15.

The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games take place from March 9-18.